Marcia Samuels' stage play, I WENT TO HEAVEN AND YOUR WERE THERE is inspired by a true story. The play tells the story of Thelma, a young African American woman, who defiled God, the church, and religion. Yet, God chose her to prove that He does indeed work in mysterious way. Although some of her actions are disturbing to imagine, those around her could not help but feel empathy for her as they watch sickness plague her young body. However, during this period of illness, she has a life changing experience, which leads to her conversion. Family and friends had hoped that Thelma's new found faith would lead to the healing of her body, but that was not to be so. Through the many days and nights of unimaginable pain and sorrows, Thelma developed a faith that could not be explained by those around. A faith that caused her to get an inner strength that helped her to endure all the sorrow that life was throwing at her young life. She found a way to reach out to and hold on to something that no one thought possible or believable. Whether by dreams or reality Thelma told family and friends that she was making daily or weekly trips to heaven.